Former NFL receiver Charles Johnson committed suicide in July after overdosing on drugs, according to a report released on Monday by the North Carolina medical examiner’s office.
Charles Johnson Cause Of Death: How did Charles Johnson die?
Johnson, 50, was found dead in a hotel room about 6 1/2 miles from his Raleigh home on July 17, after his wife, Tanisha, reported him missing the day before.
Johnson died of “acute oxycodone, hydrocodone, and mirtazapine intoxication,” according to the study, and he had no ongoing prescriptions or medical history.
“He had been acting strangely in the preceding week and had recently purchased a burial and cremation service,” USA TODAY Sports said.
After a room renter forgot to check out, Raleigh police officers responded to a report for a welfare check at a Hampton Inn. Johnson was discovered still on the bed and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the complaint. According to the investigation, he paid for the lodging two days prior but returned home before departing, leaving behind his wallet, cell phone, keys, and vehicle.
Johnson spent nine years in the NFL after being selected 17th overall by the Steelers in 1994. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for his first five seasons, when he led the team in receiving yards (1,008) in his third season and finished 10th in the league in yards per reception (16.8).
He is the Steelers’ all-time leading receiver, and he also played for the Patriots, Eagles, and Bills before retiring in 2002.